It’s the 82nd meeting between the two private school powerhouses out of North Jersey and Bergen Catholic comes in as the No. 9 ranked team in the country against rival Don Bosco Prep. When it comes down to these two powers, nothing is ever given. Last time the two Northeast foes met was in last year’s Non-Public A NJSIAA state championship game, with the Crusaders winning, 25-7. Can the Ironmen pull off an upset or is it more of the same from the Crusaders?
Crusaders to Watch
This might be the last regular season test to see if Bergen Catholic is New Jersey’s best team as they’ll face off against a storied rival that dates back for decades in Don Bosco Prep. The Crusaders are once again loaded on both sides of the ball.
EDGE Jackson Vaughn: The sophomore defensive end has proven he’s one of the nation’s best EDGE’s, regardless of class. Vaughn has racked up
QB Trey Tagliaferri: Tagliaferri has done a fine job at quarterback for the Crusaders this season, throwing for 784 yards, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions.
RB Najee Calhoun: Calhoun spent the first two seasons of his high school football career at Donovan Catholic and is now the featured back at Bergen Catholic. The 5-foot-10 running back has rushed for 270 yards and three touchdowns this fall.
WR Austin Busso: The junior wide receiver has been the top target in the passing game for the Crusaders, catching 18 passes for 378 yards and four touchdowns.
Ironmen to Watch
The Ironmen have a slew of talent on both sides of the ball like their adversaries, but the question is how tested is Don Bosco Prep compared to Bergen Catholic? The Ironmen traveled down to the Lone Star State to kickoff the season, beating Melissa (TX) to jumpstart things. Is Don Bosco Prep capable of pulling off an upset?
DB Phoenix Evans: The four-star sophomore defensive back is one of the best at his position in the Northeast and anchors the secondary for Don Bosco Prep.
OL Rhett Morris: Morris, a West Virginia commitment, has helped pave the way for a Ironmen ground attack that’s totaled 437 yards at five a carry this season.
LB Mikahi Allen: Overall, this Don Bosco Prep front seven might be one of the best on the East Coast when you look at the depth the Ironmen have at linebacker, led by Allen, a junior four-star backer.
QB Carson Schoen: You might not have heard much about the sophomore quarterback, but Schoen will be counted on to make plays for the Ironmen through the passing game tonight.
Date: Today, September 26, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Granatell Stadium, Ramsey, N.J.
Livestream: Super Football Conference Network
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